A NORTH mum who has campaigned to ban samurai swords has spoken of her joy at new laws making them illegal.

From today anyone found selling samurai swords to the public will face six months in prison and a fine of up to £5000, or both.

Yesterday Barbara Dunne, who fought for the law change after son Robert was killed by a thug with an ornamental blade in 2003, thanked the Sunday Sun for its help in her campaign.

Barbara, of Middlesbrough, said: “When we first started this I knew the local authorities would listen but I didn’t know how far we would get with the Government.

“But I’m very satisfied with this response and feel all the hard work put in by everyone has been worth the effort.

“Not only did the Government listen to what we wanted on swords, it also took on board other items we highlighted such as raising awareness among school children and introducing metal detectors in schools.

“But this would not have been achieved if it wasn’t for the Sunday Sun, Ashok Kumar MP and many, many others. It was a team effort.”

Barbara’s son Robert, 31, was stabbed to death by Jason Kelly outside a Post Office in a quiet Middlesbrough street.

Barbara then joined forces with others to form the pressure group Mothers Against Knives.

Her prayers were answered when Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker announced it is now illegal to sell, make, hire or import samurai swords.

Traders who import the weapon face up to seven years in prison and an unlimited fine. Anyone caught with a samurai sword in public could be jailed up to four years and be fined.

The ban has exemptions in place for martial arts groups, genuine collectors and re-enactment groups.

Mr Coaker said: “The Government takes violent crime very seriously and we are determined to do all we can to protect individuals and communities.

“Having undertaken a wide consultation we recognise that it is the cheap and easily available samurai swords that have been used in crime. That is why we have made sensible exemptions for genuine enthusiasts.”